Hedda Character Analysis

the one who sits in it, connoting the fact that she holds the power although it is restricted to the domestic sphere. She is the stronger figure in her relationship with Tesman as he serves her like a loyal, admiring subject, “Hedda – she is the best part of it all” (Act-I, 9). Further, when Brack first comes to call Hedda in Act-I, her actions “[lying back and reaching out her hand]” seem to indicate her regal aura.

Shifts in power as the play progresses can be symbolized through the easy chair. On Brack’s later visit, Hedda is again sitting on the chair but Brack grasps the back of it, leaning over her to claim proprietorship and hence, controls her. At the end, the stage direction – “[in the arm chair, calls out gaily”, Act-IV, 104) shows that Brack, through manipulative methods, has seized the throne and now holds power over Hedda. Deposed and powerless, Hedda is driven to suicide. The dramatic shift in power leads to her inevitable demise.

The other object, the stove which holds fire is a symbol of destructiveness. The character of destructiveness is mostly associated with Hedda. She is most often seen to be incessantly moving and standing by it besides the glass door. Mrs. Elvsted’s hatredness to Berte’s offer

Both these are symbolized by the portrait of General Gabler which peers imposingly from the inner room, representative of Hedda’s sub-conscious, to dominate the entire stage setting. Though she never mentions her father, it is obvious that her craving for power and alignment with male desires stemmed from him. Hence, Hedda’s character and life seem to be wholly determined through this strong connection with a military past, which emphasizes conformity and discipline. There lies the chief reason as to her mortal fear of scandal .She is also a woman trapped by her